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Council majority agrees to send letter supporting HB 2410 on small modular reactors; two councilors abstain
Summary
Umatilla County Commissioner Dan Dorn briefed council on HB 2410, proposed state legislation to allow a demonstration small modular reactor project. After discussion, the council voted to add the city logo to a support letter; the motion passed 3–0 with two abstentions recorded.
Umatilla County Commissioner Dan Dorn briefed the Hermiston City Council on March 24 about HB 2410, a legislative proposal that would authorize a path for a small modular reactor (SMR) demonstration project and related state siting and consultation updates.
Dorn said county leaders and developers had been exploring energy alternatives to ensure long‑term power availability for industry and high‑energy users and described the proposed bill as a way to permit a demonstration SMR in Umatilla County subject to a local referendum, tribal consultation and updated state siting procedures. "I would love to get, support of the council, to keep moving forward, with this HB 24 10," Dorn said.
Councilors asked technical and policy questions about waste storage, federal repository policy, private ownership and local jobs and skills. Dorn said existing light‑water reactor fuel can be stored on site in concrete casks and that the bill includes provisions requiring a local referendum for any demonstration project in Umatilla County.
After public discussion, a councilor moved that the city place the Hermiston logo on a letter of support for HB 2410; another councilor seconded the motion. The motion carried in council roll call as recorded: 3 in favor, 0 opposed, 2 abstentions (Councilors Roberts and Litton). The mayor noted the abstentions were not votes against; two councilors explained they wanted more time or additional information before formally endorsing the bill.
Commissioner Dorn said he would provide informational links and follow up with council on technical questions raised during the meeting.
